A body of literature has shown that testing students before their final examination serves as a motivational technique. These studies found that having test assessment would stimulates students' study effort and eventually improve their final examination score. Therefore, and arguably, students who performed well in their test assessment would reflect similar performance in their final examination. However, research has shown that students' scores in their test assessment may not be reflected in their final examination, creating a gap between the two scores.

This study examines whether there is a gap in university accounting students' performance between their test assessment score and their final examination score. If there is a gap between the two scores, this study further attempts to identify the factors that influence the gap between the two scores the gap. Four factors were chosen, namely, academic aptitude, preparation time, quantum of rewards offered and evaluation environment. Using questionnaire and secondary data of students' actual performance, this study provides evidence that there is a gap between the assessment score and the final examination score. Further findings show that out of the four factors, evaluation environment plays a significant factor in causing the gap between the two scores. The results of this study provide some understanding to academics and universities on the importance of evaluation environment to students' performance.

There are a variety of techniques used to evaluate students. Few universities have implemented evaluation technique where students are evaluated based on the score achieved in the final examination. In this circumstance, students are taught and are expected to do their revision and assess their knowledge and understanding on their own before sitting for the final examination. However, one most common evaluation technique implemented by universities throughout the world is a combination of continuous assessment and final examination. Continuous assessment normally comprises of tests, quizzes, project paper and simulation among other types of assessment. …

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